Welcome to Tower-Models.com
This site is being constantly updated and any new items and details being
added on almost a weekly basis. If you have any questions then please feel
free to e-mail us for further details. The website is designed to work with
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technology but it works. The site is also just an online catalogue, it is
not an online shop. To order just use the good old-fashioned phone!

NAVIGATION

Use the navigation side bar on the left hand side to look up the various
scales and the ranges in those scales we stock.

NEWS 6th June 2020

Peco restocks

Just to confirm, we now have good stocks of all Peco O gauge bullhead track apart from Double Slips and Long Crossing. These are both complex piices of trackwork and Peco are working on making more but it is taking longer than normal whilst they are operating a lower staffing level to maintain social distancing.

We are receiving regular orders now, it is just taking a little longer than normal.

Gladiator restocks.

We have also now received a further restock from Gladiator and currently have a better selection of the kits available off the shelf than we have had for a long time. It is easier to call to check availability of these as it changes quickly. Gladiator has warned us of a price increase that will come into effect from 1st July 2020 due to the increase of the cost of the etches. I have now updated the webpage with the new price that come into effect on the 1st of July which are between £20 and £40 higher so it is worth taking note and beating the price increase before it is too late.

We have now received restocks of the popular Heljan O gauge diesel depot and extensions. These have also been very popular during isolation as it is a sizeable modelling project and relatively cheap and can keep you occupied for a good week and gives plenty of oppurtunity for super detailing and turning into a little diorama in it's own right. At the same time people have also been picking up the Bachmann Scenecraft Diesel Refueling Point to complement the shed.

Still no update from Bachmann as to a potential release date on the new O gauge building announced last year. The last thing we heard was "Summer" 2020 but given the delays that are becoming all too common with the pandemic I would not be surprised if the release date for these slipped to Autumn or even Winter 2020. We are still taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available and should be worth the wait.. As and when we get a better idea of the launch date I will update the website.

Update today from Heljan in regard to the forthcoming Heljan Mk2 and Mk2a coaches in O gauge for release in 2021. Heljan have now confirmed a price on these which I have now updated on the web page including some explaination of the various liveries being produced.

Four different coaches are being produced, BSO (Brake Second Open) TSO (Tourist Second Open) and BFK (Brake Corridor First) and the new addition to the initial announcement with the production of the FK (First Corridor) which can be completed as Mk2's or Mk2a's depending on whether the sliding gangway doors or GRP gangway doors are fitted.

Tower Models are producing the BR maroon livery of the FK as a Limited Edition of just 75 units and advance ordering is highly recommended. Initially the BR Mk 2 maroon F.K.'s were allocated to the Eastern (18 units) and Midland regions (29 units) in 1964 with a total of 70 MK2's being built.

As a separate there will be an option to install interior lighting will also be extremely simple thanks to Heljan's new battery-powered LED lighting bar which will simply drop into the locating slots provided on the interior unit. Featuring a built-in motion sensor, the lights switch on when any movement is detected and remain illuminated for two minutes when your train is stationary.

These lighting units are in production now and should be available soon and should easily be adapted to other coaching stock.

We are taking order for these and the separate lighting units now for despatch as soon as they become available.

Train of the week is a new feature that started in August 2018 and we hope to feature every week subject to how manic it gets with new product launches. Of course it is subject to how succesful the concept is and on going sales from it but it is not just about that it is also about showing ideas and putting together locos, coaches and wagons from various manufacturers together into a realistic train. Most featured items are standard stock items and we can always recreate it again to customer's own specifications with either more or less items of rolling stock or even different liveries as required. Full details can be found by clicking on the title which is the link to the specific webpage for this feature.

As such even when completed and sold we will leave them on the webpage as inspiration for short, simple trains that you may want to tackle yourself or leave us to do for you subject to items still being available and a new "Train of the Week" should be added every Thursday and we intend changing the era and type of train to keep it fresh and different but is subject to how busy we may be with launches.

NEWS 30th May 2020

Secondhand items.

We have just had the following items come in secondhand. All are and good condition and have been weathered through the workshops:

Secondhand Dapol Limited Edition Class 08

.One of the Dapol Limited Edition Class 08's that has been fitted with Digitrains sound and medium to heavily weathered. £300.00 Post Free to mainland UK addresses.

HMRS restocks.

We have now received the full restock of the HMRS O gauge transfers and all sheets are currently available for immediate despatch.

After buying all of the remaining stock from Heljan of the O gauge Class 25/3 last month we are down to the last few. All of the BR blue examples have all sold apart from one which we have fully finished and weathered and handful of the BR green versions are left.. I have updated the webpages for these with the numbers that we have and we do not expect them to last long with such low numbers now. As always we are offering our custom numbering and weathering service if required along with the ESU sound fitted option.

It is also worth mentioning we also have a limited number of the original Class 25/1 in BR green with full yellow ends available.

Currently Heljan have no plans to re-run either of these models so once they have gone we cannot replace them.

Parkside restocks

We have now received good restocks of the Parkside O gauge wagon kits from Peco. There are still a few missing items but we hope to get stocks of these next week. 90% of advance orders have all been despatched with just as few left awaiting the odd wagon. We have good stock of most now available off the shelf for immediate despatch. PS103, PS14, PS39 & PS49 basically being the only ones currently missing from the full range of O gauge kits.

The Heljan Class 50, in our opinion, is the best O gauge model they have produced to date. They have been incredibly popular and three versions are already sold out. (Elgar, Large Logo and GBRF). Last month we bought all remaining stocks of the standard blue version from Heljan. We have today bought all remaining stock of both the Original NSE livery and Revised NSE livery from Heljan.

We still have stocks of the BR standard blue, original and revised NSE and a handful of the Railfreight triple grey livery but the numbers are now low on all liveries. As always our custom numbering, naming and weathering service is still operating as normal to complete the Class 50's with the customers choice of name and number or we have a good selection available off the shelf that have already been completed.

Heljan are talking about a re-run of the Large Logo livery along with some new liveries but these will be available sometime in 2021.

NEWS 4th May 2020

Heljan future projects

Heljan have now confirmed prices on several projects planned for this year. I have now updated the website with the prices for the Class 31/1, Class 31/4, Class 40, Class 47 and Class 56.

At the same time Heljan have also confirmed that the re-run of the Class 31/0 will not be out this month as originally planned but is now expected hopefully in July.

Dapol have announced the production of the iconic GWR / BR conflat both with and without containers. We have also just agreed with Dapol for a Limited production run of the two most popular liveries with the two sets of 3 being made in both the BR "Door to Door" and "British Railways" liveries.These will be made in the UK at Dapol's factory in Chirk and talking to them today it is looking like approximately four months time before they are produced if everything goes as planned. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as and when they become available.

Springside restocks

We have finally had restocks from Springside of their BR and GWR head and tail lights along with the fire iron sets. Hopefully in a couple of weeks we should also have restocks of both the LMS and LNER head and tail lamps. All advance orders have now ben despatched and we have good stocks of the items which have just come back into stock.

Dapol announced the release of BR Mk1 coaches last year and we have now had some more test sample images of the decorated samples. Initially there will be four versions (SK,SO,CK & BSK) in a choice of 5 liveries both numbered and un-number and finally there is also the option of DCC fitted as well. This makes a total of 90 different coaches and I have now listed all of these by either type or by livery to make it easier to browse. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available.

Originally Dapol told us to expect the first two liveries (BR Maroon and southern green) late April or early May with the other liveries following on in the coming months. Talking to Dapol this week they have confirmed that the coaches have not yet left China so the first liveries will not be with us not until June at the earliest. As and when we get more details I will update the website.

NEWS 18th April 2020

Dapol Good news

Both the Dapol Banana vans and Tower Models Limited Editions came into stock yesterday as well as the re-runs of some of the standard BR 10ft wagons. They arrived nice and early in the day so we were able to get most of the large orders for the courier off yesterday. We have today completed the smaller orders which are going via the post and these will be despatched on Monday. One change to the advertised production on the Banana vans is that there are 3 number options for the Fyffes livery and only one number of the Geest livery. Fyffes has been by far the most popular livery anyway so works out better for most people.

All advance orders for these limited edition sets of six planked or plywood vans have been despatched where we have been able to contact customers. There are still a number of both sets still available for immediate despatch.

At the same time we have also received the brand new Dapol Banana Vans. Initially four will be available; one in "Geest" and three different numbers in "Fyffes" livery. All advance orders have now been despatched.

At the same time we have also received the four standard re-run of both the BR vans and opens in the 2020 liveries.

Also today we can confirm the 2020 production run of the ever popular 16 ton minerals. We have now received the details of the liveries and options that will be available and the webpage for these now covers these details. At the same time Dapol will be producing for us three limited edition ICI Bulk Soda Ash 16 ton minerals. We are only producing 100 each of these and advance ordering is highly recommended. Production of these is expected before the end of the year if everything goes to plan. The image shown here is for illustration only as is of a OO example.

We have just received restocks from DJH of the O gauge kits, we now have all four of the popular kits K300-K303 in stock and can get any of the others from the range as required. We also have both the the Tower Collection O gauge starter kits in stock. A simple call can arrange immediate despatch.

Shop Closure but Mail Order Department Open.

The shop is now closed to the public but we are operating on a mail order basis for customers for home delivery over the coming weeks. Having spoken to Slaters they are still operating and making deliveries to us so we can still despatch required items to ease the burden of isolation and to keep yourself busy. Dapol and Peco have both now closed but we still have reasonable stock of the likes of Parkside kits, Peco track and the new Dapol 14xx. We will remain open as long as it is still worth our while.

The workshops are all still working from home to complete custom numbering, weathering and sound fitting service and with the lack of distractions should actually speed up over the next few weeks!

We will be operating a reduced hours of opening though from 9.30 about 3pm when the couriers pick up the parcels for the day. I have now also applied for the Royal Volunteer Service to help out with the new works van for NHS food parcels which will be in the evenings.

Tower Models have commissioned Dapol to produce a Limited Edition set of Leith General Warehousing wagons based on the Dapol Salt Van model andl the last thing Dapol did before closing was despatch these to us so we should receive them later on today. Once they are here we will beging calling round to arrange suitable days for delivery of these long awaited models. Should also have the weathered set along with a Class 17 for tomorrows Train of the Week feature.

A total of eight different running numbers are being produced of this iconic livery for the North East and Scottish region to enable people to represent the block appearance of them at time behind the likes of J39's or Claytons or individually further afield.

Although the salt van is not technically correct as there are differences in the roof detail, straps and doors, there is no way Dapol would tool up for such a unique vehicle but these will give a very good representation and the numbers being produced are very small. These wagons also had a very long lifespan lasting from WW1 through until the withdrawal of the very last one in 1971.

Only 25 of each are being produced and advance ordering is highly recommended.

The long awaited Dapol 48xx / 14xx / 58xx arrived late on Wednesday and we have now made the majority of despatches for these. As people are probably aware we like to call and ensure someone will be at home to receive the shipment so wait on actually talking to the customer before making despatch. Where there have been answering machines we have left messages. If you have not heard from us yet in regard to the basic, none DCC or sound version, then give us a call to arrange delivery.

The DCC and sound fitting is being done here in the UK so will become available a little after the standard models.

We will also be offering our completing service for these locos for those people who wish to have their own number applied by our workshops and also the option of weathering if required. Numbering with the customers own number costs an additonal £25.00, for BR examples or £50.00 for GWR examples as we also have to number the bufferbeams; weathering is an additional £25.00.

These are the perfect companion to the Dapol Autocoaches that were re-released recently.

In with the same shipment from China are the wheels to complete the Leith General Warehousing wagons which means we should also receive these in approximately 2-3 weeks time.

Shows.

As people are probably already aware, many of the up coming shows in the next few months have been cancelled. I have updated our show calender with the shows that we were attending that have sadly been cancelled. If and when we hear more on this we will update the exhibition calender.

In the meantime, mail order has been extremely busy with people stocking up on hobby items for something to do over the coming months. The postal service and couriers are still working fine and we have good stocks of many items, the most popular over the last week being trackwork and plastic wagon kits to complete those long overdue projects.

At the same time Dapol have confirmed the the long awaited BR Turbot models are also expected and should be available sometime in April in both EWS and Dutch liveries. Dpol are not making large numbers of these and advance ordering is highly recommended. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available. We will also be offering our weathering service on these for those people who wish to take advantage of this service.

At the show at the weekend we saw the first painted test sample of the forthcoming Heljan Class 17 Clayton and I must say it was looking good! Hopefully over the coming months we will get to see samples of all four livries that are being produced. The tooling has now been approved and once the decoration has been finalised then we should get and indication of both the final price of the Claytons and some sort of idea of when they should become available. Hopefully though it should be before the end of the year. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available and as always our custom numbering and weathering options along with sound fitting service are available for those people who wish to take advantage of it..

Heljan have announced a re-run of the ever popular Class 37/4 for later this year. Both the Large Logo and Railfreight triple grey liveries are being re-run as these were the first liveries to sell out. At the same time four new liveries are being produced; DRS Blue, Colas and Royal Scotsman maroon along with a Limited Edition Transrail livery that is exclusive to Tower Models. We had re-branded a good number of the original triple grey into Transrail as "Blackpool Tower" and know this will be a popular livery. We are doing it un-named or numbered though and without the vertical red door stripes to enable the modeller to finish it as any one of the class in this livery. Only 75 of the Transrail livery are being produced and we are already taking advance orders for all versions for despatch as soon as they become available. I have updated the webpage for these with the artwork for all of the new liveries expected.

We still have stocks of the EWS, Regional Railways, heritage green and Intercity liveries available for immediate despatch but stocks are running low.

The brand new Heljan BR Mk1 4 wheel CCT should become available before the end of 2020 and in a wide range of liveries. The price has not yet been confirmed but we have been given an indication of an RRP in the region of £169.99 with our price of £144.50 but at this stage with Brexit and exchange rate fluctuations it is hard to be precise at this early stage.

There will be two numbered and weathered examples with all of the others un-numbered.

We are taking advance orders for these now and we are as always offering our numbering and weathering service as well if required.

We have at the same time suggested that Heljan do a re-run of the ever popular GUV, which Heljan have now taken on board and hopefully, as a perfect companion for the CCT, these should be available around the same time as the CCT. There will be re-runs of some of the original liveries along with both numbered and weathered examples also available of the popular liveries. There are also some new later liveries being produced utilising the brand new commonwealth bogies that will also feature on the re-run of standard Mk1 coaches that are also being released this year.

We are taking advance orders for these now for immediate despatch as soon as they become available.

Work has been progressing nicely on our Limited Edition set of ICI wagons based on the Dapol Salt Vans and new 9 foot wheel base open wagons with the artwork now approved on the first batch. Initially we will be producing a set to cover the 40's and 50's for the red ICI period which should be available by the end of April 2020 produced here in the UK and then later a series of wagons covering the 1960's, which should be available around August 2020. We have yet to finalise the wagon numbers for the later set but this should be sorted soon. These are all being sold individually rather than as sets.

Advance ordering for these is highly recommended for despatch as soon as they become available as we are only producing 25 of each apart from the local Fleetwood wagon to us which we are producing 75 of.

I also hope to have the finalised production samples for the Limited Edition Leith General Warehousing vans next week. These are ready to go with the bodies completed, we are just waiting on some components which are in production and have been the cause of the slight delay. The wheels for the Leith wagons are due in in the next week so should be completed before the end of the month.

The blue versions of the Class 03 are in transit and should be with us in a few days, we will begin to conatct people with advance orders over the next few days to arrange suitable days for delivery.

Heljan have rationalisation the liveries for the Class 03 with four near identical versions being dropped which are virtually duplicated by other versions in the range. Taking this into account, if customers wish to amend their order a simple call can amend the advance order.

Heljan did forget to pack the instructions in with the green locos. A copy of the instructions can now be found on the page for the Class 03 to download and print off.

Those which are being numbered, weathered and sound equipped will be going through to the workshop and should hopefully be completed in about 2-3 weeks.

As part of our preparations for the upcoming Larger Scales show the workshop have just completed a large number of Gauge 1 items including two fully finished Halls, 2 Black Fives, a rake of 7 BR chocolate and cream coaches and a good selection of 45xx's. Details of these can be found through the title link or in the Gauge 1 section of the website as we hope to put on a good display of out Gauge 1 at the show in May which is at at the Riversmead Leisure Centre in Reading. Details of the show can be found through the link of the shows we are attending this year but all of these items are availablenow for immediate despatch.

Yesterday we received the long awaited re-run of the Heljan Hymek. We have now made despatch for all advance orders and those for numbered, weathering and sound fitting have gone to the workshop for completion. We still have stocks available of all four types for immediate despatch

A total of four liveries are being produced. During preparation work to rerun the very first O gauge loco that Heljan produced , it was found that various modifications were needed to bring it up to modern standards. Modifications will include weight reduction, LED lighting to replace bulbs and an electronics upgrade to make it easier to convert to DCC.

We have today received the new Heljan Class 33's and we have begun calling people to arrange suitable days for delivery and sorting out the ones for numbering, sound and weathering through the workshops.

There are two versions avaiulable , the original version for the 1960's through until the 80's and then the later version with the high intensity headlight which covers the privatisation liveries from the 80's onwards. Only a small number of these has been produced and advance ordering is highly recommended. We currently still have stocks of all versions available for immediate despatch.

The basic version of the long awaited Sentinels are now in stock and we should also received the DCC fitted versions later on this afternoon. The DCC and sound fitting is being done here in the UK so these will be available approximately a month after the basic DC version but given the Christmas period it may take a little longer for them to complete the sound fitted versions.

There has also been two changes on the lead up to the launch that it is worth mentioning. 7S-005-002 is now BR Early Crest Dept 39 and not as previously advertised 68183 in LNER livery and now there is only one number of the LMS livery being produced instead of the planned two number options.

At the same time we have also received the EWS livery for the Class 08 that was missing from the shipment last month.

The long awaited re-run of Heljan Deltics arrived yesterday and we have made all despatches for all the basic versions. All named, numbered, weathered and sound equipped versions are at the workshops being completed. This will obviously take some time with so many in to complete but we will contact these customers as and when the locos are completed to arrange a suitable day for delivery.

A total of four liveries are being produced and includes the BR green with full yellow end livery that is both named, numbered and factory weathered that has not been done before. Number for this re-run are very low so taking advantage of our advance order system is highly recommended for these for despatch as soon as they become available. To prove the point Heljan have also confirmed that the Class 55 in BR blue with full yellow ends is already sold out at the factory. After completing all of our advance orders we still have a handful of the BR blue version available but I doubt these will last long.

At the same time Heljan have announced a third steam engine for release in 2021. The Collett Goods 2251 0-6-0 and tender uses the same tender as the recent 43xx Mogul and will be available in various liveries. Price has not yet been settled on this one but is expected to be in the region of the price of the 43xx Mogul.

Details of both of the above Heljan items were only announced today (23rd November) As and when we get more details we will update the webpages for these. We are taking advance orders for these now for immediate despatch when they become available.

We have today received the latest 7 plank in Dapol's new 9ft wheelbase range of wagons. We have received both the clean and weathered examples of these at the same time. We have despatched all advance orders for these today and have stocks of both still available for immediate despatch. As soon as I know what the next wagon being produced is I will update the webpage with the details.

At the show at the weekend Dapol announced the production of a Class 66 deisel. Dapol have now confirmed a few details and I have now created the web page for this. Dapol hope to have the first test sample bodies in about six months time and if everything goes to plan the loco should be available in approximately 16-18 months, so the first half of 2021 if everything goes to plan. Initially six liveries have been announced and the loco will be available as either analog or DCC fitted. We are taking advance orders for these now and also offering our custom weathering service as well if required.

As promised, Heljan has announced a new O gauge diesel at the Modern Image O Gauge (MIOG) show in Rawtenstall that is on this weekend. Appropriately for a show in the north-west of England, it's a class that was closely associated with that area. Our popular English Electric Type 4/Class 40 is back by popular demand, but this time as the centre headcode variant, as seen on the last 55 members of the class (D345-399)

Design and tooling work was completed recently and the first running samples will be delivered to the UK for testing in early-November and will be on display at Warley show. Five liveries will be available from mid-2020, covering the entire BR career of the class. The models will feature a ‘DCC Friendly’ chassis, LED lighting, a heavy duty chassis with twin motors and flywheels and fine detail specific to these later-built EE Type 4s.

We are taking advance orders for these now and I will be updating the webpage with further information and images as and when we receive it.

The new version of the Dapol Class 08 only came into stock last week and the workshop have just completed the first weathered example of these for customers. The cost of the weathering is only £25.00 and there is also the option of numbering for the un-numbered versions which is also at a £25.00 charge. We have good stocks of all four liveries that have released so far. The EWS livery has not yet been released but latest news from Dapol is that we should expect these around the second week of December if everything goes to plan.

The new version of the Class 08 covers the later version with the introduction of Aluminium cab doors, short hinges on access panel doors, new exhauster boxes and new lighting configuration. This later version enables many of the later liveries and has proved extremely popular.

Telford Show Date 2020.

We have today been told of a change in date of the Gauge O Guilds Telford show for next year. The new date for the show is the 29th and 30th of August and is again at the Telford International Centre.

NEWS 16th October 2019

Heljan release schedule updates.

Couple of updates from Heljan regarding forthcoming releases and I have put them into the expected running order:.

Heljan Class 55 Deltic - Now available

Heljan Class 50 - Now available

Heljan Class 03 - Now available

Heljan Class 33 - Now available

Heljan Hymek - Now available

Heljan Mk1 coaches with commonwealth and B4 bogies 2nd quarter 2020

Heljan Class 31/0 re-run - expected July 2020

Heljan Class 47 In tooling, expected 3rd quarter 2020

Heljan Class 31/1 & 31/4 with headlight both progressing well and expected November 2020

Heljan have released updated images for the CAD for the forthcoming Class 47 expected in the second half of next year. There will be two versions; the 'as-built' Brush type 4 / Class 47 covering the 1960's and 1970's and later variant covering the 1980's and 1990's; both will feature 'full' rather than 'cut-away' bufferbeams, but will incorporate a number of detail differences reflecting some of the many changes/developments the class has been through during their long lives.

Provisionally 11 liveries have been announced and we are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as and when they become available. As always we will be offering our numbers and weathering service on this loco as well as our sound fitting service if required.

We have received the re-run of the Dapol ex Lionheart Autocoaches today. We have received all of the basic versions so far with the DCC ready with a light bar or DCC fitted with a light bar with the light bar and DCC fitting being done here in the UK have started to appear from Dapol now as well . .We have made despatch of all advance orders where we have been able to contact customers to arrange suitable days for dewlivery and still have stock available off the shelf for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system. Both the Great Western early lined chocolate and cream and crimson lake lined liveries have been very popular and we expect these two liveries will be the first to sell out. As always we are offering our weathering service if required at an additional £40.00 per coach.

Heljan have released the provisional Class 56 CADs which is due for release in 2020. Heljan are welcoming constructive comments in regard to the Class 56 CADs. Initially eight liveries are proposed but the final production is being announced at Warley show. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available. The price for this has yet to be settled but we will update the website as soon as we get more details. This is quite a beast of a loco and will feature some new specification which they have not catered for before including provision for a smoke unit, designed with DCC and sound fitting in mind and see-through grilles. Again we will be offering our numbers and weathering service on this loco if required along with our sound fitting service.

To complement the recent O gauge locomotives that have recently been released in later liveries Heljan have tooled both Commonwealth bogies and B4 bogies to suit these later liveries of locos to go under their range of Mk 1 coaches. These should become available early in 2020 and we are taking advance orders for these now and we are as always offering our numbering and weathering service as well if required as all versions are coming un-numbered.

Heljan have today confirmed which bogies will be on each coach and have also confirmed the stock codes at the same time. There may well also be a few additional coaches to add to the initial list, if these go ahead I will update the relevant web pages. Also after talking to Heljan they are now also looking at selling both of the new bogies as separate pairs for those who wish to change them or alter other stock. details of these is yet to be confirmed. Heljan are also saying that these should be in production before the end of the year if everything goes to plan.

The price on these coaches with the new bogies should be the same as the current range of Mk1 coaches but is obviously subject to the exchange rate fluctuations.

.At Telford show Heljan had the test sample of the re-run of the original Class 37/0 with split headcode boxes on display. Details for this have not been finalised and this is very much a work-in-progress so this is all subject to change. I have also put a list of the provisional liveries that Hejan are talking about but they may well add to this list and prices have yet to be confirmed but should be in line with the current Class 37's that are available.

The body will be a re-run of the previous Class 37/0 with the split headcode but with the new improved narrower fuel tanks from the Class 37/0 centre headcode model and the chassis / PCB from the Class 37/4 model.

Over a year ago now Helmsman retired and their superb controllers have not been available ever since. Good news from Peco this week, they are to take over the range. No indication from Peco as tor the new price of the units but have said they hope to have the range availabe during 2020. The Helmsman 5amp controller has always been popular, especially for Heljan deisels. As and when we get more details I will update the website. Several people have already had advance orders in place for their eventual return and we are taking orders now for when they do reappear.

At Telford Heljan announced two new versions of the ever popular Class 31. The first is in refurbished condition (Class 31/1) and secondly as the Class 31/4 with the headlight. Both versions are scheduled for release in 2020 and we are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available. I have separated out the two Class 31's as they should hopefully not all arrive at the same time! As always we are also offering our numbering, weathering and even sound fitting service if required.

NEWS 3rd September 2019

Dapol upcoming release schedule.

Couple of updates from Dapol at Telford in regard to forthcoming releases for later in the year::

As well as the Snowdrift Salt Van that was released last week we have now also received the George Brown Lime wagon in clean finish, hopefully we will also be receiving the weathered example soon. We have good stocks of all liveries of both the Salt and Lime wagons that have been released so far available for immediate despatch. Stocks of some liveries are now starting to run low and we are awaiting restocks on some liveries.

Both the Tower Models Limited Edition sets of tankers and standard Air Ministry tankers came into stock yesterday and we have made despatch of all advance orders where customers have confirmed delivery. We still have stocks of all versions for those people have not taken advantage of our advance ordering system.

Both Shell BP and Esso have always been the most popular of the liveries of the Class B ex-Air Ministry tankers. As such we thought people might appreciate the chance to buy sets of 6 of these all with different running numbers that have not been done before by Dapol. We will also be offering our custom weathering service on any of the Dapol tankers for those people who want to take advantage of it.

Peco have just released the long awaited O gauge signal box interior that is suitable for either LK709, platform mounted signal box or LK715, the brick based free standing signal box. These are now in transite to us and should hopefully be with us either on Friday or Monday next week. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they come into stock.

We have now received the colour layouts from Dapol for the foirthcoming Dapol (ex Lionheart) 45xx Small Prairie which is shows some progress on this forthcoming project. Dapol have been working on improvements to the original Lionheart model which have taken some time to complete. . Quantities being produced will be low so advance ordering is highly recommended to avoid any potential disappointment, especially in regard to the sound fitted option. These are diecast model rather than plastic at very keen prices and we are taking advance orders for these for despatch as soon as they become available. Hopefully they should become available summer 2020 but we have not had any confirmation from Dapol on any specific timeframe but hopefully between July and September.

Stocks are running very low on the popular Dapol HAA Hoppers. During the annual stock taking Dapol have found just three of the brown cradle livery and another three of the yellow cradle to add to the small number of these we had left in stock, these extras should hopefully be with us around the end of the week. Previously they had told us they were sold out of these liveries. Stocks are currently okay on both the blue and red cradle liveries but wont last for ever. I have updated the list with the actual remaining quantites we have left where the stocks are getting low.

At the same time Heljan have also confirmed the RRP of the forthcoming GWR / BR Razor Edge Railcar for which is for production in 2020. There are currently six proposed liveries for production but this may change. As and when we get more details we will update the website and we are taking advance orders for these now. Alternatively we produce the same model in the Tower Brass range which is available in plain brass with a black chassis or fully finished for those people who do not want to wait.

Following the Heljan limited re-run of some of their Mk1 coaches at a new lower price, Heljan have now extended this to cover the remaining stocks of both the BG and GUV. At the new lower our price of just £169.15 instead of £250.00 they represent excellent value for money. We have also made the decision to include the Tower Models Limited Edition maroon variants in as well whilst stocks last even though we did not benefit from the new lower price on these. First come first served at these prices..

Peco have just released a new addition to their O gauge range of trackside kits with a signal box, representing a generic style of box with a brick base and wooden cabin structure on top, plus the necessary steps leading up from the ground. This is a "mixed-media" kit, meaning that the top half is produced as a plastic injection moulding, and the brick base of laser-cut wooden parts, all coming together to create this wonderfully characterful structure. Provision has also been made to include a brick chimney breast at the back of the box. These are now in stock and are available for immediate despatch.

At the same time Peco have decided to repackage their O gauge telegraph from the original pack of 4 to packs of 6 but with a price change from the original £6.50 per pack to £9.50 per pack. We still have a handful of the old packs of 4 but once the last few we have in stock have gone all future stocks will be at the higher size and price.

Dapol have announced a re-run of their popular 57xx and 8750 Pannier Tanks for release late 2020. This will include the introduction of a new riveted tank variant that has not been done before. Details of these liveries can be found on the webpages for these through the title link. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available. The GNSR lined Caramel livery sounds interesting and I look forward to updates on these liveries.

At the same time Dapol have announced a re-run of the 0-6-0 3F Jinty. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available.. The BR liveries are always popular and advance ordering is highly recommended.

The Heljan Class 43xx Mogul are now all in stock and have been well received. Stocks are already running low on these with just a handful of the two "Great Western" liveried examples remaining.

Listening to customer requests Heljan have now created a supplementary instruction sheet for further details on how to disassemble the locomotive for DCC fitting and general maintenance. A copy of this I have now put a link to from the webpage for the 43xx Mogul which can be reached through the above title link .

We have just bought all remaining stocks of the Heljan models of both the Catfish and Dogfish. These have always been popular and this is a gentle head up for these as once we have sold the remaining stocks it is unlikely that Heljan will re-run them any time soon. I have updated the webpage with the numbers we have of the last few of these. The special offer on six or more of these is also still available

NEWS 28th February 2019

ESU v5 XL Chips

We have also received this week stocks of the brand new ESU v5 XL chips. We have been waiting for these for sometime now and there is a queue of locomotives in the workshop awaiting sound fitting with the long awaited new sound card. Good news is that we will be able to maintain the standard chipping charge for these @ £310.00 for Heljan locomotives even though there has been a price increase from ESU on the unit. This may change post Brexit dependant on the terms of the final Brexit deal and whether there is an import duty on European goods but at the moment it is impossible to say what effect it will or wont have. We will worry about it if and when it happens.

Now expected May 2020 Heljan have announced a re-run of the ever popular Class 31's. A total of six liveries are being produced that includes four that have not been done before; BR Green with full yellow ends, BR electric blue, Yellow Ochre and RTC livery. No exact dates given but again this is expected around May of next year and we are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available. As with the Deltic, these are very short re-runs and advance ordering is highly recommended.

The workshop has just completed a weathered example of the Dapol BR Terrier which I have added to the list of ready to run locomotives available off the shelf. All of these are available for immediate despatch.

Heljan have also updated the provisional liveries on the forthcoming Class 117 DMU and have now confirmed that they will be available as both 2 car and 3 car units. Prices are yet to be finalised and production will hopefully be towards the end of 2019. Taking these changes into account if customers have already placed an advance order for one of these and would like to adjust their advance order just call and we can make the necessary changes

As with the Salt and Lime wagons we should see the first examples of the brand new Dapol 9ft RCH wagons are now available. Again there have been a few new liveries announced that are being produced first. The originally announced private owner liveries will follow in either December or January. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available.

Dapol have also this evening confirmed a change in running numbers and reference numbers on the forthcoming Class 122. As the primary concern for most people is the livery over the running number we have automatically transfered all advance orders over to the new refence codes. If people would like to change their advance orders as the number is more important then just let us know.

It has been an interesting few days with the launch of the Dapol brake vans. Luckily we noted everyone's choice of both livery and era required for customer advance orders rather than just the reference numbers to ensure everyone got the model required. Labour intensive but worthwhile to avoid any issues. The website now shows the correct stock numbers and liveries compared to what was originally announced and we also have the first images from the workshop of the weathered examples that have just been completed.

Initially being produced is the main series of brake vans encompassing Diagrams 1/504 (vacuum through piped) and 1/506 (Unfitted) manufactured between 1951 and 1957 totalling some 2,300 vehicles. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as and when they become available . Demand for these has been very high and we expect them to sell out quickly once they are released.

A good suggestion to accompany these is the set of 5 Springside BR tail lamps or BR Guards lamps at £9.50 per set which we could add to the order if required and as always we are also offering our weathering service for these for those people who wish to take advantage of this at an additional £25.00. With the current workload the weathering service is expected to take between 10-14 days after launch.

The new issue of the Dapol 10ft wheelbase vans and opens also appeared the week before last. The workshop have now also completed the first weathered examples of these.. Details of the full range available in this batch can be found on the relevant webpage and all versions are currently available.

The new batch of Dapol Terriers are now in stock. There are a total of 5 new liveries covering both A1X and A1 versions with the option on all of analog, DCC fitted or DCC and sound fitted. We are taking advance orders for these now for immediate despatch as soon as they do become available. As always the DCC fitted and DCC sound equipped models are available usually two to three weeks after the analog version is delivered. We still have stocks available of all five liveries available for immediate despatch for anyone who did not take advantage of our advance ordering system.

I have now updated the website with the details of the forthcoming O gauge Bogie Bolster 'E'. One slight change from the flyer seen at Telford show is the release date is now predicted to be second quarter of 2019. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available. We will also be offering our weathering service on these for those people who wish to take advantage of this service.

I have now updated the website with the details of the forthcoming O gauge Turbot Bogie Ballast Wagon. One slight change from the flyer seen at Telford show is the release date is now predicted to be second quarter of 2019. We are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available. We will also be offering our weathering service on these for those people who wish to take advantage of this service..

NEWS 30th July 2018

Weathered Dapol Class 08's

The workshop have just completed some of the standard Dapol Class 08's with medium weathering for sale off the shelf. The weathering really has worked well and brought them alive. The cost of these is just £216.25 each Post Free to mainland UK addresses. We can also complete a sound equipped version if required, the cost for one of these weathered would be £370.00 for the sound equipped version.

We have finally had the opportunity to complete thirteen Gauge 1 coaches for stock in time for the summer. Eleven are in BR maroon with Midland prefixes and two in Carmine and Cream with Western prefix. Details of these can be found on the RTR available off the shelf section within the Gauge 1 part of the website. The cost of these is £660.00 each or £635.00 each when buying four or more in one transaction. If there are specific liveries you are after we can also complete these Gauge 1 coaches with the customer's choice of livery and either clean or weathered which normally takes 3 monthes to complete.

NEWS 5th June 2018

Lots of images today from Dapol after Doncaster show along with some updates on release schedules along with the official announcement in regard to the launch of the Class 121.

Following on from the Class 122 Dapol have also announced a Class 121 which should come into stock Spring / early summer 2019. We are taking advance orders for this now for despatch as soon as they become available

We have now received restocks of the recently released Bachmann Scenecraft O gauge trackside accessories. The platform tractor has been an extremely popular set and only just reappeared after the initial production launch.

Dapol have also announced a re-run of the ex-Lionheart Coke wagons for early next year. They have initially announced 7 planks, 7 planks with coke rails and 8 planks in various liveries. Again we are taking advance orders for these now for despatch as soon as they become available.

We bought all of Bachmann's remaining stock of 45xx and 4575 Prairie Tanks in Gauge 1 several years ago. We can now confirm that we have now sold out of the 4575's and are down to the last one 4575 and we have sold out of the 45xx flat top Prairies. These can be supplied "as is" in plain green, no number or insignia or, alternatively they can be supplied fully finished in either any GWR or BR livery for an additional charge. We have two fully finished Gauge 1 45xx's available off the shelf; 4512 in BR late crest un-lined green and clean finish at £1035.00 and 4555 in BR lined green early crest clean finish at £1090.00. Once these have sold there will be no more as the factory that made them has closed.

Two weeks ago Dapol released the Great Western liveries of their new suburban coaches along with the first two liveries of the BR liveried coaches (LHT603 & LHT623) which have been well received and represent superb value for money. We have now bought all remaining stocks of the Great Western coaches and Dapol have no stocks. We have now sold out of the first of the Great Western sets (LHT601 Kingsbridge) and have a limited quantity of the others available. I have updated the webpage with the numbers as we count down to a sell out!

We have now received all of the BR liveries as well and sold out completely of the single coaches and also LHT605 already!

We have just done a stock take and we are now running very low on all remaining liveries of the Class 25 and thought it better to give people fair warning of the stock situation before we run out. There is also the option of our numbering and weathering service available for these for those people who want to take advantage of it at just £25.00 for numbering the loco and £40.00 for weathering if required with your choice of light, light body with medium chassis and roof, medium or heavy weathering.

Most people think of Tower Models only as the UK's largest stockist of 'O' gauge. Apart from this we are also a major supplier of Gauge 1 locomotives, coaches and track. Shown here is a Tower Brass Terrier in Gauge 1 recently completed for a customer. This locomotive was hand lettered and lined in our workshops. We currently can offer a range of locomotives and coaches both off the shelf or completed to order.

We have now received the brand new Heljan modern depot.. It has been designed to be modular and very adaptable to a number of situations and locations. Add-on packs are also available to extend the main kit either adding extra roads or additonal depth. Photo shows the first sample which has been painted; kit will be moulded in single colour plastic. Please note that the side bay 'bars' will also be duplicated on the lower panels on production examples.

If you have not already advance ordered one of these we are still taking orders for this for immediate despatch once they have arrived and full details can be found on the relevant pages of the website.

We have now bought the last remaining stocks of the AC railbus in both Light Green with speed whiskers and dark green with small yellow panels from Heljan and are happy to announce a special offer on these two versions that will run until we have sold out. The RRP on these two liveries is £495.00 with our normal price £395.00 each. The Special offer is just £299.95 whilst stocks last is on a first come first served basis.

There are very few of the Dark Green with Speed Whiskers available and the offer does not apply to this livery as there are so few of these available and it has always been the most popular livery.

We can offer our weathering service for an extra £25.00. We can also sound fit the railcars for an additional £175.00.

We have stocked On30 since it was first intorduced in the late 1990's. Bachmann have produced an excellent range of products and we have had a good run with them. However, nothing lasts for ever and we have decided to stop stocking this range and clear all remaining stock at prices between 33% and 50% below the recommended retail price. We have altered the On30 section of our website to give an accurate list of just which items we have in stock, along with the clearance prices. This list will be updated daily until everything is sold. If the item you are looking for is not on the list, then we do not have it in stock and cannot obtain it. There will be no further deductions or bulk deals. Items are being sold at cost or below cost price so there is no room for further discounts. Orders over £150.00 sent post free to UK mainland addresses. The title to this paragraph is a link through to the remaining clearance stock.

NEWS 3rd September 2015

DJH 'OO' loco kit clearance

We are down to our last few DJH 'OO' locomotive kits so have decided to clear them off at bargain prices. We have only a couple of each in stock and both types are now discontinued by DJH.

We have bought all of Bachmann's remaining stock of the above buildings
range and can offer the following items on a limited offer whilst stocks
last.

Ref.

Description

RRP

Offer

47-009

Single Road Engine Shed - (Footprint of the building is 257mm x 155mm
x 189mm)

£99.95

£60.00

NEWS 7th August 2012

Heljan 'O' gauge gears, A statement.

There appears to be a rumour going around model railway websites that there
is a widespread problem with gears splitting on Heljan 'O' gauge diesels.
As the largest stockist of Heljan 'O' gauge and with consistantly high sales
since the range was first introduced we feel it essential to present the
facts to the public rather than destructive "Chinese Whispers"

On the very rare occasions we have seen split gears it is only with Class
35 Hymeks and Class 47 diesels. In all cases the locomotives had considerable
amounts of running and it must be stressed that replacement gears are available
from Heljan's service agent; Howes of Oxford. Unlike certain other model
railway manufacturers, Heljan have always tried to provide spares.

Tower Models are not the service agent, so we do not carry a full range
of spares. However when there is a known problem such as broken vacuum pipes
on the Class 33's we obtain spares from Heljan and provide them to our customers.
( Note this is our customers; anyone buying elsewhere should contact their
supplier. )

Overall we have had very few problems with any of the Heljan 'O' gauge
range. If there were on going problems then Heljan would not of won "Model
of the Year" competition so many times, or have so many repeat customers.
It is a pity that such vindictive rumours can be spread and accepted by
so many as true. Anyone with a split gear should contact Howes of Oxford.
Anyone who has not got a split gear should stop worrying about something
that probably will never happen. As we have said, it is an incredibly rare
event given the total numbers sold.

NEWS 8th September 2010

Gauge 'O' Guild Telford Show.

Given the current economic climate Telford show went very well, the stand
look very well and was commented upon by several people and we were proud
of our display, so much so we thought we would put an image up of the stand.
For anyone who is into 'O' gauge and has never attended the show it is the
premiere 'O' gauge event of the year and cannot be rivalled for both variety
and quality. If there is only one show you can attend in the year, this
should be it and if considering coming from overseas this is the show you
should aim to attend. The show was extremely well organised had a good atmosphere.

A REALITY CHECK ON CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS

We offer a wide range of kits and ready-to-run items from a number of sources.
our aim is to offer a quality product at an affordable price. This seems to
satisfy 99% of our customers. However, there appears to be a growing number
of people in the model railway fraternity who expect perfection for a pitance
of a price. Let me make it clear that the perfect model does not exist. It
is utterly unreasonable to expect full working inside motion on any of the
models we sell or any other complex working details that can barely be seen,
especially at the price and no, the cab gauges don't really work! All our
items are for standard 'O' gauge finescale. They are made from plastic, resin,
white metal, pewter and brass. They are powered by electric motors. Real locomotives
are made from iron, steel, brass and copper. they are powered by steam, diesel
or electricity. If anyone wants to duplicate all the features of a real locomotive
may I suggest he buys a real one. They are much bigger than ours and cost
many times more than the ones we sell. At the end of the day model railways
are big boys toys and meant to be fun, let's not forget it.